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Best Places For Film Buffs In Seattle

July 23, 2012 6:00 AM

(credit: Thinkstock)

Everybody likes movies, but it takes a very special person to be a movie buff. Movie buffs eat, drink and sleep movies and can’t think of anything else. Fortunately, living in Seattle, movie buffs can get their fill. In fact, it is possible for a movie buff to pick up their morning espresso at a movie-themed coffee shop, find memorabilia at a local museum, purchase a book about movies, have dinner while watching a movie and even take home a rental for late-night viewing – all in one day. Check out these spots to see what Seattle has to offer the ultimate fan of the big screen.

The EMP used to stand for Experience Music Project and it still does, but now the museum not only embraces music but Sci-Fi and pop culture as well. For movie fans, you can get an up-close-and-personal look inside the world of Pandora at the “Avatar: the Exhibition.” It features artifacts and props used in the film and interactive demonstrations on motion capture and 3D technologies, but you’ll need to hurry as this exhibit ends September 3. Also for the viewing is “Can’t Look Away: The Lure of Horror Films” which includes a scream booth and “Horror Soundscapes” which explores the role of music in such films of monster history. Finally, visit the “Icons of Science Fiction” which includes artifacts from film, television, video games and art.

Located in the historic University District of Seattle lies Scarecrow Video, the largest independent video store in the country. Scarecrow offers up over 115,000 individual titles that are available to rent. It features everything from the very latest on DVD and Blu-Ray to the very rare and out of print films found only on VHS and Laserdiscs. It also carries video games and many used movies for sale. The behemoth store even has its own VHSpresso coffee shop inside.

Enjoy dinner and a movie at the same time at Central Cinema. A different movie is featured every night alongside great stone oven-baked pizzas, mini-baked five cheese and macaroni, rib bites and more. On special occasions, you can enjoy dinner specials attached to special movies like chocolate truffles while watching “Chocolat” or spicy noodles whiles watching “Tampopo.” Seating is arranged diner-booth style with sofas. Movie titles range from classics like “The Wizard of Oz” and “Pillow Talk” to more cult favorites. Central Cinema features a free Cartoon Happy Hour on Thursdays, TV Dinners featuring favorite TV shows and movies in “hecklevision” where your comments will show up live on the screen.

Cinema Books has been a part of the Seattle community since 1977. This little shop is packed full of new and used books including many out of print. Here you’ll find technical books, screen plays, biographies, magazines, posters, stills and more. Cinema Books is located in the Seven Gables Theater, across the street from Scarecrow Video, so you can make just one trip for some film-packed fun.

To many locals, the Space Needle seems like just another site that’s constantly buzzing with tourists. However, this icon draws the crowds, and the cameras, for a reason. Make a visit to see the setting of where some major productions spent some time filming. Dating back a few decades, “It Happened at the World’s Fair” was a film that sparked the trend of Space Needle appearances. The timeless “Sleepless in Seattle” chose the Space Needle for the beloved reunion of Tom Hanks and Meg Ryan. And for the comedy lovers, “Austin Powers: The Spy Who Shagged Me” used the icon for Doctor Evil’s base. Make a trip to the Needle and see if you can list off the movies that made it big in this location.

Jeffrey Totey is a freelance writer living in Seattle. He has a love for the arts and is a student of pop culture. He covers stories about the performing arts, theater, museums, cultural events, movies and more in the greater Seattle area. His work can be found at Examiner.com.